What Is Fructooligosaccharide?
May 19, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are also known as oligosaccharides or sucrose-based oligosaccharides (e.g., trisaccharide, tetrasaccharide, and pentasaccharide derivatives of sucrose). Fructose is commonly found in many fruits and vegetables. [1] Sucrose-based trisaccharides, tetrasaccharides, and pentasaccharides are linear hetero-oligosaccharides composed of fructose and glucose, wherein the sucrose molecule is linked via β-(1→2) glycosidic bonds to one to three fructose units. <G = glucose, F = fructose>.
With improvements in living standards, an increasing number of people are paying greater attention to health maintenance. Some individuals consume fructooligosaccharides (FOS) for this purpose. But what exactly are fructooligosaccharides?
What Are Fructooligosaccharides?
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), also known as oligosaccharides or sucrose-based trisaccharide oligosaccharides, are naturally occurring carbohydrates commonly found in many fruits and vegetables.[1] Structurally, FOS are linear hetero-oligosaccharides composed of fructose and glucose. They consist of a sucrose molecule linked via a β-(1→2)-glycosidic bond to one to three additional fructose units—yielding sucrose trisaccharide (kestose), sucrose tetrasaccharide (nystose), and sucrose pentasaccharide (fructofuranosyl nystose).[1] Their general molecular formula is G-Fn (where n = 1, 2, or 3; G = glucose, F = fructose).
Fructooligosaccharides possess dual advantages—as both functional health-promoting ingredients and high-quality food components. They exhibit numerous beneficial physiological properties, including low caloric value, non-cariogenicity (i.e., do not cause dental caries), selective stimulation of bifidobacterial growth, blood glucose-lowering effects, improvement of lipid profiles, and enhanced absorption of trace minerals. In recent years, among various oligosaccharide-containing foods, FOS have been internationally recognized by nutrition experts as “indigestible, water-soluble dietary fiber.” They help bidirectionally regulate the human gut microbiota balance and are considered a classic, highly potent bifidogenic factor. Consequently, FOS are widely embraced by modern food manufacturers and consumers alike and are extensively used in third-generation health foods.
Health foods are foods—not drugs—and cannot replace drug therapy for disease treatment. We hope this response has been helpful to you!
